Women’s Political Caucus of New Jersey Endorses Kathe Donovan for Bergen County Executive

The Women’s Political Caucus of New Jersey (WPCNJ) is proud to announce its endorsement of Kathe Donovan for Bergen County Executive.

Jennie Lamon-Mullen, Chair of the WPCNJ Republican Task Force, said, "Kathe Donovan, BergenCounty’s and New Jersey’s first and only elected womanCounty Executive, is an outstanding leader for the people of New Jersey. She has dedicated her career to public service and advancing issues important to women, children and families. In 2011, WPCNJ honored Donovan with the Barbara Boggs Sigmund award for the inspiring example she has set as a public leader."

Donovan has dedicated much of her life to public service. She served as part-time public defender in her hometown of Lyndhurst from 1982 to 1998. From 1986 to 1988, she represented the 36th Legislative District in the General Assembly. In 1988, Donovan was the first woman elected Bergen County Clerk. In 1994, Donovan was appointed by then Governor Christine Todd Whitman as a member of the Board of Commissioners of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, where she also served as Chairwoman until 2002. And in 2010, she was elected as Bergen County Executive; breaking another glass ceiling as the first woman in the history of New Jersey to be elected to this position.

“Women's issues range from fair pay, to access to contraception and health care, and continue to be crucial issues not just for women, but for the families of New Jersey. Despite making up 51% of the population, women are continually underrepresented in New Jersey politics. In fact, Governor Christine Todd Whitman is the only woman to have served as the state’s chief executive in the state’s history. Lieutenant Governor Kim Guadagno's election in 2009 marked another important turning point towards increased representation. However, progress remains slow, currently women make up just 30% of the New Jersey Legislature and hold none of the state’s 12 Congressional or 2 Senate seats. That is why it is more important than ever to endorse and support women like Kathe Donovan,” said Michel M. Bitritto, WPCNJ President.

Upon receipt of the her endorsement from WPCNJ, Bergen County Executive Kathe Donovan stated, “As a single mom and public servant who has always put public service ahead of self service, it is gratifying to have my record affirmed by such an important women’s organization.”